Faiths grasp ideal of 'pebble in pond'
The News Journal www.delawareonline.com 12-31-12 Delaware
...The Jewish faith has already celebrated the start of its new year during Rosh Hashanah in September. Still, Rabbi Michael Beals of Congregation Beth Shalom in Wilmington has sometimes given a nod to the lesser-known St. Sylvester’s Day when
the secular calender turns, he said.
...
In Israel, restaurants will avoid losing their kosher licenses by celebrating St. Sylvester’s Day on Dec. 31 rather than marking the end of the calendar year, said Beals, who has taken to wishing people a “Happy Sylvester” around this time of year.
Cute stories aside, Beals said the most poignant moment of his sermon during the weekend came while praying for peace.
The Iranian government’s move toward nuclear capability has hung heavy over the end of 2012, he said, while the Middle East has again been rocked by conflict.
“Every single time a Jewish person ends a prayer – we’ve done this for 2,000 years – we always pray for peace,” Beals said. “It’s our biggest hope and desire. It seems really elusive, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pray for it.”
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